February 8, 2010

Statement of U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks
Regarding the Death of Chairman John P. Murtha

We are all deeply saddened by the death of Chairman Jack Murtha, whose entire career has been dedicated to strengthening our national security and improving conditions for U.S. military personnel. 

He was a strong leader and an exceptionally fair Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and I enjoyed serving with him on that panel for 31 years.  He was a ‘hands-on’ Chairman, routinely traveling to areas of conflict where American troops were deployed, and I accompanied him on many of those trips.  As much as he enjoyed hearing from the generals and the admirals in command, he always took the time to visit the mess hall and talk with individual troops who would give him a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ view of the conflict.  In November I accompanied Chairman Murtha and five other subcommittee members to Afghanistan, which helped broaden our perspective of the complex task ahead for U.S. forces there.  

Suzie and I expressed our heartfelt condolences to Joyce Murtha and the entire Murtha family today as we learned the sad news.  The country has lost a real patriot; the Congress has lost a real workhorse; and I have lost a great friend.

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